The Romanian Athenaeum stands imposingly in the heart of Bucharest as a symbol of Romania's rich cultural history and architectural elegance. Built almost 150 years ago, between 1886 and 1888, this impressive monument is one of the capital's most important tourist attractions and one of the most famous meeting places for art and culture lovers from all over the world.

Romanian Athenaeum - History

The 19th century was Romania's quest for national and cultural identity. In this context, a group of intellectuals and artists decided to set up an institution to promote Romanian education and culture. Thus, in 1864, the "Romanian Philharmonic Society" was founded under the direction of the conductor Eduard Wachmann, which was to become the nucleus of the Romanian Athenaeum.

Shortly after its foundation, the decision was taken to build a concert hall to become the new headquarters of the society. French architect Albert Galleron was entrusted with the project and construction began in 1886. The Athenaeum was solemnly inaugurated in 1888, mainly for concerts and other cultural events.

Wachmann, who conducted the first permanent symphony orchestra until 1907, was succeeded by Dimitrie Dinicu (1868-1936), and from 1920 by George Georgescu (1887-1964), an outstanding conductor and pupil of Arthur Nikisch and Richard Strauss.

Throughout its history, especially during George Enescu's directorship, the Romanian Athenaeum witnessed many important events in the cultural and political life of the country. It has hosted memorable concerts by the world's great composers and musicians such as George Enescu, Franz Liszt, Richard Strauss, Maurice Ravel, Richard Strauss, Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky. 

In addition, the Athenaeum has hosted important political events such as the General Congress of the Latin Union and the ceremony proclaiming Romania as a kingdom.

The Romanian Athenaeum - Architecture and Design

With its architectural style, the Romanian Athenaeum is an elegant and refined presence in the heart of Bucharest. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the building is built in a neoclassical and eclectic style, with decorative elements typical of the Italian Renaissance. The Athenaeum has the appearance of an Ionic temple, with six columns at the front and two at the sides, giving the building an imposing and solemn presence.

The interior of the concert hall is equally impressive, decorated in neoclassical and art nouveau styles. The ceiling is decorated with a hemispherical dome and the walls are adorned with frescoes and bas-reliefs inspired by Greek and Roman mythology.

One of the most important frescoes in the Romanian Athenaeum was painted by Costin Petrescu between 1933 and 1939. Three meters wide and 70 meters long, the fresco stretches above the boxes, all around the dome drum, except where the stage is located. Composed of 25 representative scenes from Romania's history, the fresco is a remarkable work of art that complements the beauty and solemnity of the Romanian Athenaeum concert hall.

But perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Romanian Athenaeum is its exceptional acoustics. The concert hall was designed with great attention to detail to ensure superior sound quality. Over the years, both artists and audiences have praised the quality of the hall's acoustics as one of the best in the world.

The Romanian Athenaeum - An important tourist attraction in Bucharest

Today, the Romanian Athenaeum is one of Bucharest's most important tourist attractions, visited annually by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Guided tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the building's impressive history and architecture, as well as discover its hidden secrets.

In addition, the Athenaeum hosts numerous cultural and artistic events, including classical music concerts, piano recitals, theater performances and art exhibitions. For lovers of classical music, concerts given by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra in this hall are a real treat.